Oxford United get dramatic 3-2 win over Portsmouth in League One

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Oxford United vs Portsmouth Match Report

January deadline day loan signing Ciaron Brown made his debut in the rearranged game with Portsmouth, and manager Robinson played a 3-5-2 formation to accommodate the extra centre back.

The Northern Irish international joined with his compatriot Oisin Smyth, who was given a spot on the bench as Oxford aimed to solidify their playoff position against Pompey.

The opposition had number 1 and Republic of Ireland International keeper Gavin Bazunu inbetween the sticks, but it took just 6 minutes for Billy Bodin to make his mark as Luke McNally headed in his corner.

Portsmouth were not going to lie down though, and in the 10th minute they also scored with their first chance as Michael Jacobs fired past Stevens who has not kept a clean sheet since the 19 October when Oxford beat Shrewsbury 2-0.

The U’s task was made easier when Joe Morrell was shown a straight red after a bad foul, and they tried to make the extra man count.

The Bodin/McNally double act were the first to get close, as from a well-worked corner the defender was denied his second of the game with a block.

Sykes missed a good chance, and Brown almost had the fairy-tale when he headed another Bodin corner wide. The Yellows upped the pressure as Brannagan, Kane and Sykes all had chances but the sides went into half-time level despite the domination and having 78% of the possession, 8 corners and 14 shots on target.

The restart was delayed by a medical incident in the tunnel which required police, paramedics, a stretcher and an ambulance.

The delay might have upset momentum for the U’s, as they were caught napping on the counter and the defence all at sea as Ronan Curtis side footed past Stevens in the 51st minute and the first attack of the second half. The defensive line was nowhere to be seen and like the first goal, the defenders had been sucked out of position.

Despite having some more chances with Bazunu saving well from Brannagan twice. It was clear the three at the back wasn’t working, so off came Brown and Nathan Holland came onto the left wing to allow Seddon to drop back and assumingly have Williams at right wing-back.

With the extra man advantage the chances kept coming, Branngan fired over and Sam Winnall came on for Williams to have only 3 recognised defenders for the U’s on the pitch in McNally, Moore and Seddon, the latter have a poor game. With Forde on the bench it was a bit of a head-scratcher.

With so many attacking players the chances continued to line up with McNally, Holland, Sykes, Brannagan and Kane all having a go. But the U’s were still unable to breakthrough despite still having 79% of the possession and 17 shots on target, and the final whistles going elsewhere with still 10 minutes to go.

It was clear Oxford needed something special, and man of the match Cameron Brannagan delivered in the 82nd minute with a brilliant effort from distance and a goal of the month contender.

Game on, and McNally and Seddon had chances and the 4th officials board declaring 10 minutes of injury time got the crowd roaring for a late winner.

6 minutes in to injury time and Oxford had their 26th shot on target. Nathan Holland picked up the ball, cut inside and unleased a long drive in off the post. Cue pandemonium in the stands and on the pitch.

The U’s up to 5th after a great win, and there was even time left for the 4th sub for each side for concussion.

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